One Day in Ghent: My Perfect Ghent Day Trip Itinerary

Only have one day in Ghent? Here’s exactly how I’d spend it—from St Michael’s Bridge and the Ghent Altarpiece to Gravensteen Castle, a proper Flemish lunch, book cafés and live jazz to end the evening. From someone who’s visited Ghent twice!

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My one day in Ghent made me fall in love with the city. So much so, I came back eight years later!

I first visited Ghent in 2018 as part of a longer Belgium trip. And on my incredible second trip, came back with more time to see what I’d missed the first time.

The centre’s compact enough to walk from a Van Eyck masterpiece to a medieval castle, but also full of bookshops, wine bars and cool restaurants and side streets that will happily ruin an overambitious schedule.

For one day in Ghent, we’ll do the grand, historic Ghent first, have a proper lunch, then loosen the plan for Patershol, Kraanlei and an evening in the city.

This is the route I’d give a friend—and happily do again myself.

Shall we?

About the Author

Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.

On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.

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🗞️📺 As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.

Quick Overview: One Day in Ghent

No time for a full read? Here’s your day in Ghent at a glance!

Time of day	Where I’d go	What I’d do
Morning	St Michael’s Bridge, then Graslei and Korenlei	Start with the full three-tower view of Ghent, then walk along Ghent’s old harbour before the centre gets too busy.
Late morning	Korenmarkt, St Nicholas’ Church and Sint-Baafsplein	Follow the three-tower route through Ghent, see the Ghent Altarpiece, climb the Belfry or take a boat trip (just keep in mind you won’t have time for all three).
Afternoon	Lunch, Gravensteen Castle, then Patershol and Kraanlei	Have Flemish food at De Rechters or something quick by the river, visit Gravensteen, then wander through the Patershol and Kraanlei neighbourhood. Add the House of Alijn if you fancy it.
Late afternoon	Le Bal Infernal	Stop for second-hand books, cake and a drink without worrying about squeezing in another attraction.
Evening	Central Ghent	Finish with jazz, wine or dinner, followed by a walk along Ghent’s incredible illuminated waterfront.

Book Your Ghent Trip

Where I recommend staying: For your trip, I’d stay at the stylish and central NH Collection Gent (Ghent), right next to the historic centre. You can also compare more hotels in Ghent here.

Getting to Ghent: Compare train times and prices for Brussels to Ghent, Bruges to Ghent and Antwerp to Ghent, plus Eurostar and onward train connections from London, Paris and Amsterdam.

The tour I’d book for a first trip: I’d choose this 50-minute guided boat trip. It’s scenic, packed with history and short enough that you’ll still have most of the day to explore on foot.

Visiting from Brussels and want to see Bruges too? I’d choose this full-day Bruges and Ghent tour, which includes a guided walk and free time in both cities, plus the option of a canal cruise in Ghent. It’s a packed day, but a useful one when your Belgium itinerary is tight and you’d rather leave the transport, timings and city introductions to someone else.

For food lovers: I’d book this 2.5-hour Ghent food tour. It pairs five local tastings at independent food stops with a walk through the city, so you’ll get plenty of Ghent history along the way too.

Stay connected: Set up your Europe eSIM before your trip. It takes less than five minutes, and you’ll have mobile data ready to use when you arrive.

For extra peace of mind: I personally recommend using VisitorsCoverage to compare travel insurance options before your trip—it’s my go-to for finding the right cover whenever I travel.

Is One Day in Ghent Enough?

Yes, definitely. One day in Ghent is enough to see the best bits of central Ghent, and have 1-2 more experiences along the way.

You can cover the waterfront, three towers, one major cultural stop, Gravensteen and two lovely neighbourhoods without speed-walking.

But what you can’t do is add every museum, viewpoint, boat tour and café without losing the pleasure of being here.

For example, I’d save the Museum of Fine Arts, Botanical Garden and anything you missed for my two-day Ghent itinerary.

My One Day in Ghent Itinerary

Morning:

Start at St Michael’s Bridge

Candace Abroad on St Michael's Bridge Ghent riverside

When it comes to your first impression of Ghent, there’s no better place to start than St Michael’s Bridge.

Here you’ll get to see the city’s three famous towers, not to mention rows of guildhouses below and the castle peeking out further along the water.

It’s basically Ghent introducing itself all at once.

I recommend getting here before the bridge gets too busy and walking a little beyond the middle bit to see all the towers in one view.

And of course, snap a picture here too!

Walk Along Graslei and Korenlei

Take the steps down from the bridge and you’re straight onto Ghent’s old harbour.

Graslei and Korenlei face one another across the River Leie, lined with the grand old façades you probably had in mind when you booked your Belgium trip.

Later in the day here you’ll find hordes of students, locals and visitors filling up the stone edge with drinks and takeaway lunches (I recommend grabbing a sandwich from Mi Garba and joining them if you have the time!).

Late Morning:

Continue Through Korenmarkt and the Three Towers

From the river, head into Korenmarkt, where trams, terraces and medieval architecture all seem perfectly happy sharing the same square.

St Nicholas’ Church is your first tower. Pop inside if the doors are open (i.e. there’s no service on), then carry on beneath the City Pavilion towards the Belfry and St Bavo’s Cathedral.

Within just one short walk you’ll have seen the Ghent skyline, crossed the busiest square and reached the city’s most important artwork. Now, it’s decision time…

Pick Your Main Ghent Experience

I know, a deeply annoying choice when all three are good. But for one day in Ghent, I’d choose one main Ghent experience to protect the rest of your itinerary.

For History: the Ghent Altarpiece

Inside St Bavo’s Cathedral you’ll find The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, better known as the Ghent Altarpiece.

Even if Flemish religious art isn’t usually what gets you out of bed on holiday, I’d make an exception. The mere scale gets you first; then come the tiny faces, jewellery, plants, fabrics and reflections that’ll do you right in.

Plus, it’s only 25 minutes, so you can see this righteously famous Ghent artwork without using up much of your day.

Book your Ghent Altarpiece tickets

If you’re visiting on Sunday: The Mystic Lamb Visitor Centre opens at 1pm on Sundays, so I’d visit Gravensteen in the morning, have lunch, then return to the cathedral afterwards if you’re here then.

But as a saving grace, if you’re visiting on a Sunday, it’ll be the perfect time to pop into Ghent’s Sunday markets.

For Views: Choose the Belfry

Ghent Belfry is the better choice if you’re more keen on rooftops than religious art.

You’ll get a clear look over the historic centre without using up the whole morning (I’d save around 45 minutes).

Book your Ghent Belfry tickets

For a full city experience: Choose a boat tour of Ghent

On a sunny day, a 50-minute guided Ghent boat trip is a very tempting Ghent activity.

You’ll get history, a new angle of the city and a lovely break for your feet before lots of walking around Ghent in the afternoon.

Book the 50-minute Ghent boat trip

P.S. – Read my best Ghent boat tours guide if you’d like to compare your options!

Afternoon:

Have a Proper Flemish Lunch

De Rechters Ghent restaurant with people sitting outside

I had mine at De Rechters, opposite St Bavo’s Cathedral. To order? The Waterzooi of Ghent, a creamy local stew, with a Belgian beer.

De Rechters Ghent restaurant - flemish soup and beer with view of st bavos cathedral

Can’t go wrong!

For a quicker option, I’d grab a filled schiacciata from Mi Garba and take it back towards Graslei and Korenlei, which’ll give you considerably better views than most takeaway benches.

Want more options? Read my Ghent restaurant guide next…

Do check opening hours: Ghent’s independent restaurants don’t always follow the same weekly opening hours, so do a quick Google of your lunch spot before you go!

Visit Gravensteen Castle

After lunch, walk towards Gravensteen Castle.

This is a Ghent attraction I wouldn’t miss. All in one you’ll get architecture, city views and a hilarious (and I do mean hilarious) audio guide, which is not something I ever expected to write about a historic attraction.

A visit here will set you back around 90 minutes and last admission is at 4:40pm, so make sure to time your visit right if you only have one day!

Here’s my Gravensteen Castle guide for your trip.

Book your Gravensteen Castle tickets

Potter Through Patershol and Kraanlei

The moment you leave the castle, it’s time to relax in Ghent a little.

First start at Patershol, a pocket of small lanes, brick houses and restaurants tucked behind old façades in Ghent, and incredibly easy to wander.

From here, I’d drift towards Kraanlei. A waterside street home to several of the stops I liked most on my second trip.

If you have the time and like quirky museums I’d visit House of Alijn here for a peek into everyday Flemish life. Otherwise, browse a record shop like Music Mania Records 2, or have small plates and al fresco drinks at De Parkiet or Panotto.

Late Afternoon:

Stop at a Book Café (I Loved Le Bal Infernal)

By this point, you’ve earned a respite—preferably one surrounded by second-hand books.

Le Bal Infernal was one of my favourite discoveries on my return trip. I settled in with a book, a crisp glass of wine and apple strudel cake, which is a fairly excellent way to recover from castle explorations.

Candace Abroad in Ghent at Le Bal Infernal

café in ghent Le Bal Infernal - used book café in ghent

I’d tuck in here, otherwise for a coffee and something more substantial, try Lloyd Coffee Eatery, and for a plant-based stop with cool interiors, head to Ludo Kafe.

Or check out my best cafés in Ghent guide for more recommendations!

Evening: See Ghent After Dark

A lot of day-trippers leave Ghent just as night starts to fall, but in my opinion—that’s when it looks its best.

If your train time allows, I’d have dinner or a drink in the centre and stay until the city lights come on, it’s beautiful to see.

And since you’re out already…for live music, I’d go to Hot Club Gent; for natural wine, Edelrot; or for wine with cheese or small plates, Bar Terroir.

Oh and of course, catch your train!

How to Do a Day Trip to Ghent From Brussels

Lucky for you, a day trip to Ghent from Brussels is very doable.

Direct trains to Gent-Sint-Pieters average around 36 minutes, so I’d leave Brussels around 8am–8:30am (and read my Brussels to Ghent train guide before your trip).

If you’re coming from Bruges, here’s my Bruges and Ghent itinerary to do both in one trip.

P.S. – If you’re not staying overnight in Ghent but have some luggage with you, you can leave your things in luggage storage at Gent-Sint-Pieters station.

If You Only Have Half a Day in Ghent

I’d say half a day is enough for a good introduction to Ghent, but of course, not this entire itinerary.

Personally I’d say in four hours, you can do St Michael’s Bridge, Graslei and Korenlei, Korenmarkt and the three towers, then choose one:

The Ghent Altarpiece for art and history.
Gravensteen Castle for history and the strongest all-round attraction in Ghent.
The Belfry for views.
A boat tour for a relaxed overview.

Add maybe a quick walk through Patershol or the cool Graffiti Street to end the day.

Can You Visit Bruges and Ghent in One Day?

Yes, but I don’t think it’s the best use of your first day in either city, at least if you’re the one handling all the logistical bits to do so.

You’ll see both cities, but not much beyond their most photographed streets if you do it yourself.

But if one day is genuinely all you have, this full-day Bruges and Ghent tour from Brussels is best, since all transport and timing bits will be handled for you.

Check the Bruges and Ghent day tour

For an independent trip, use my Bruges and Ghent itinerary if you have two or more days. And my Bruges or Ghent comparison if you need help deciding which to visit in the first place.

Where to Stay for 24 Hours in Ghent

If you can turn your one day in Ghent into 24 hours in Ghent, I’d highly recommend an overnight stay in the historic centre (because walking home after dinner beats checking the last train every 12 minutes).

NH Collection Gent is very lovely and centrally placed, with the Belfry, St Bavo’s Cathedral, Graslei and Gravensteen all nearby.

I stayed at their sister property NH Collection Brussels Centre, and loved it. Definitely my top pick if you’re doing a longer trip in Ghent!

Check prices and availability: NH Collection Gent

Otherwise check out more options in my where to stay in Ghent guide.

What to Book Before Your Day in Ghent

Ghent Altarpiece tickets
Gravensteen Castle tickets
Your 50-minute Ghent boat trip
Your Ghent hotel if you’re staying for the evening.
Your train home—or at least keep an eye on train times once evening hits in Ghent.

There’s also a CityCard Gent you can get pre-trip if there’s a few attractions you’d like to see in one day, but I wouldn’t necessarily buy it for a first trip if you’re only doing 1-2 Ghent experiences.

Final Thoughts on One Day in Ghent

One day in Ghent is enough to understand the appeal, and perhaps even tempt you to come back for a second trip.

Happened to me!

In one day here you’ll see all the big sights—towers, waterfront views, the divine Altarpiece and Ghent’s breathtaking castle.

But after, you can be charmed by a local lunch opposite the cathedral, records by the water, cake inside a used-book café or jazz after everyone else has headed for the station.

And perhaps a plan to come back for more. It’s just what Ghent does to you!

Have the best trip.

Happy travels,

Candace x

FAQ: One Day in Ghent

Is one day enough for Ghent?

Yes. One day is enough to see Ghent’s historic centre, waterfront, its three towers, one major morning attraction, Gravensteen Castle and Patershol. I’d stay for two days in Ghent if you also want several museums, a boat trip, brunch and more time in Ghent’s cafés and bars.

What should I see in Ghent in one day?

I’d prioritise St Michael’s Bridge, Graslei and Korenlei, Korenmarkt, St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Ghent Altarpiece or Belfry, Gravensteen Castle and Patershol. Finish with Kraanlei, a café or a walk through Ghent’s illuminated city centre if you have the time.

How do I spend 24 hours in Ghent?

I’d save the daytime for the historic centre, seeing the Ghent Altarpiece, having lunch and visiting Gravensteen Castle. Spend late afternoon around the Patershol and Kraanlei neighbourhood, then stay overnight (I recommend the NH Collection Gent) for dinner, live jazz and wandering the city’s evening light route.

Is half a day enough for Ghent?

Half a day is enough for St Michael’s Bridge, Graslei and Korenlei, the three towers and one attraction. I’d choose the Altarpiece, Belfry, Gravensteen or a boat tour rather than trying to fit all four into a few hours.

Can you take a day trip to Ghent from Brussels?

Yes. Direct trains from Brussels to Gent-Sint-Pieters are around 36 minutes. My Brussels to Ghent by train guide covers all you need to plan the full journey. Here’s how to spend one fabulous day in Brussels!

Once you’re here just keep in mind the station sits outside the historic centre, so I’d use their De Lijn planner for the best tram connection on the day of your trip, or prep for a 20 to 30-minute walk.

Can you visit Bruges and Ghent in one day?

You can, but it doesn’t leave a great amount of time in either city. I’d give each one a separate day and use my Bruges and Ghent itinerary to plan it. When that isn’t possible, I’d recommend a guided Bruges and Ghent tour from Brussels rather than organising both independently.

Is Ghent walkable?

Yes, extremely. All of Ghent’s main historic sights are close together and this entire itinerary is designed to be strolled! You’ll only optionally need public transport between Gent-Sint-Pieters station and the centre.

What can you do in Ghent at night?

I’d start with live jazz at Hot Club Gent, natural wine at Edelrot or small plates at Bar Terroir, then walk back through Ghent’s illuminated centre towards St Michael’s Bridge, Graslei and Korenlei.

What is Ghent famous for?

Ghent is famous for its three-tower skyline, the Ghent Altarpiece, Gravensteen Castle, Graslei and Korenlei waterfront and its mix of medieval architecture with a lively and lovely university-city atmosphere. Here’s all the best things to do in Ghent if you’d like more recommendations.

Plan the rest of your Ghent trip

Still planning? Here’s more of my Ghent guides to help you decide where to stay, what to book and how to make the most of your trip.